Milwaukee, WI – A 19-year-old man from Wisconsin has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing a fatal drunk driving crash that claimed the life of 17-year-old Megan Voss and her dog, Bleu, last December.
The sentence was handed down Thursday in Waukesha County court, following Zehe’s guilty plea to multiple charges stemming from the deadly collision.
Deadly Crash on December 30
According to court documents and local reports, Jason Zehe had been drinking for hours before getting behind the wheel of his pickup truck on Dec. 30, 2024. Investigators revealed that he had attended a gathering at his girlfriend’s house and had consumed wine and vodka for approximately eight hours.
Driving on Sunset Drive in Waukesha, Zehe ran a stop sign at high speed and slammed into an Audi sedan driven by Voss. Her dog Bleu, riding in the car with her, sustained severe injuries and was later euthanized. The crash also involved an SUV, but the driver of that vehicle was uninjured.
Victim was a High School Senior
Megan Voss, who was described by loved ones as a bright and caring young woman, was airlifted from the crash site but later died at the hospital. Her death deeply impacted the community and her family, who said she had her whole life ahead of her.
Bleu, her beloved dog, was also critically injured in the wreck and had to be put down shortly after as per WISN.
Zehe’s BAC was Over Three Times the Limit
Zehe initially claimed he had only consumed two drinks, but his girlfriend contradicted that, stating he had been drinking heavily throughout the day. His blood alcohol content was later measured at 0.249, more than three times the legal limit in Wisconsin.
He reportedly admitted to being drunk while in the ambulance, telling medics:
“I just wish I wasn’t drunk… I am the one driving, and yeah, I should get charged.”
Judge’s Ruling and Sentencing Conditions
Judge Michael Aprahamian sentenced Zehe to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision. In addition to jail time, Zehe must undergo substance abuse treatment, remain sober, and complete 200 hours of community service — eight of which must be performed annually on Dec. 30, the anniversary of the fatal crash.
“It was his decision to get in the car,” the judge said during sentencing. “He could have called an Uber. He didn’t.”
Additional Legal Fallout
While Zehe pleaded guilty to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, two other felonies and three misdemeanors were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Prosecutors are also reportedly reviewing whether to pursue charges against Zehe’s girlfriend’s parents, who allegedly encouraged or allowed him to drive drunk, according to the Waukesha County District Attorney.
Community Grieves a Preventable Tragedy
The heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the consequences of drunk driving. Megan Voss’s life and future were stolen in a moment of recklessness, and her story now fuels conversations around accountability, impaired driving, and youth responsibility.
What’s your take on this sentencing? Should more be done to prevent drunk driving tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments.
